In a few days it will be 2026. As the new year approaches, I tend to look back at the past year.

This year’s travels included a cruise on the Great Lakes, a family wedding in Maine, and a visit with family in Oklahoma. All good times, except for the accident I experienced when touring the Grand Hotel in Michigan as part of the cruise on the Great Lakes. I’d been coming down the stairs when I missed a step and landed on my knee. Fortunately, I didn’t break it, but I severely bruised it and had to get medical treatment as well as physical therapy to help heal.

I’m grateful for so much. Time with family, time with friends, belonging to great writing groups including two critique groups which inspired and encouraged me. I’ve gone on to write a new novel and several memoir pieces.

Writing along with creating art have been my strongest interests. I’ve enjoyed the watercolor classes taken in Montclair, the writing workshops, and the time I’ve had to practice my crafts.

A few of my watercolor paintings were exhibited at the Montclair Art Museum. Some of my travel articles got published in a community magazine. In addition, I finished work on my third young adult novel which I intend to revise, edit, and submit in the new year.

For some, a new year means making resolutions. I prefer to set goals. These include adding more steps when walking, writing more often, continuing to work on watercolor painting and art in general, and traveling with my family. I’ll also participate in a couple of book events to promote my published books and attend a writer’s conference.

To help with goal setting, I use a calendar, a planner, some on-line programs, and checking in with friends who are also working on their own goals or resolutions for the new year.

I also plan to be easier on myself. To quote a line from “Pick Yourself Up” when things go wrong, all I need to do is “pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again.”

Wishing you a very

Happy and Healthy New Year!